Spiritually Fit Today

Spiritually Fit Today

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Spiritually Fit Today episodes

  • The Christian Life Is Harder Than You Think—And That’s the Point - SFT

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Mike Heili. In this episode we explore faith as an endurance sport through 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 and Mike’s experience as an Ironman athlete and coach—how strict training, discipline, humility, and grace reshape the way we run the race of faith.


    Take action with the 4 R’s
    Read: Read 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 slowly and aloud today.
    Reflect: Ask where you treat faith like a sprint instead of a race. Which area of faith do you keep quitting?
    Respond: Pick one area you’ve quit on, write the distance (what finishing looks like), and show up once today. Make one small, concrete training step (prayer, Bible reading, accountability).
    Reveal: Tell one person your commitment, invite them to hold you accountable, and demonstrate grace through service this week.

    Connect
    Questions or feedback? Email Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: Ironman, endurance, faith as endurance, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, spiritual discipline, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Mike Heili, spiritual fitness, Christian coaching, perseverance

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

    14 min
  • Grace Is Bigger Than Your Worst Mistake - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Mike Heili. In this episode Mike shares his powerful life-transformation story — from addiction to scholarship, a painful relapse, and God’s redeeming restoration. Using Peter’s failure-and-restoration as a model, Mike shows how grace is bigger than our patterns and how God still has work for us. He also reflects on restored relationships, spiritual disciplines, and living a humble, ongoing walk with Christ.

    4 R action steps
    - Read: Read the account of Peter’s restoration in John 21 and notice God’s response to failure.
    - Reflect: Ask: Where have I trusted performance over grace? How does God’s restoration reshape my identity? Meditate on “I will restore the years the locust hath eaten.”
    - Respond: Confess honestly, commit to daily spiritual disciplines (Bible reading, prayer, community), and write your line: “He saved me from ___, and He’s still saving me from ___.” Tell one person what God has restored in you this week. Consider the “prayer reps” habit and a 91-day spiritual challenge.
    - Reveal: Share your testimony with someone who needs hope, serve in a place of need, or visibly extend forgiveness to demonstrate God’s redeeming work.

    Connect: Email Arnie Cole — [email protected]

    If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope. Keywords: spiritual fitness, life transformation, restoration, Joel 2:25, grace, forgiveness, testimony, Peter restoration, spiritual disciplines, addiction recovery, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Mike Heili

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    12 min
  • What Happens When You Don't Quit Praying? - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Mike Heili. In this episode Mike shares how a chaplain’s brutal question and a 90-day prayer discipline led to a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit and the promise of Joel 2:25 — “I will restore to you the years the locust hath eaten.” Listen for honest testimony, practical spiritual rhythms, and an invitation to start counting reps, not results.

    4 R Action Steps
    Read — Read Joel 2:25 (and surrounding context in Joel 2). Let the promise of restoration settle in your mind.
    Reflect — Ask: What “years” feel taken from me? Where do I need God’s restoring work? What habits keep me stuck?
    Respond — Start a daily habit: pick a fixed time, pray out loud for 90 seconds, mark the day on your calendar. Build the discipline of showing up.
    Reveal — Tell one person what God is doing in your life, invite someone to pray with you, or serve at a local mission to demonstrate restoration in action. Need prayer or resources? Email Arnie at [email protected].

    Keywords: Joel 2:25, restoration, prayer challenge, testimony, Holy Spirit, spiritual disciplines, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Mike Heili, homeless ministry, People City Mission

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    11 min
  • From Drug Dealer to Dumpster... Then God Found Him - SFT

    Welcome to the podcast Spiritually Fit Today. Arnie Cole and guest Mike Heili share Mike’s raw journey from drug use beginning in fifth grade through homelessness and rock bottom — and the pivotal moment when faith and the promise of Joel 2:25 brought hope, healing, and restoration.


    Want to engage this truth? Try the 4 R’s:
    Read — Read Joel 2:25 and the surrounding chapter slowly; note words about restoration and renewal.
    Reflect — Ask: Where have I experienced loss or brokenness? How does God’s promise change my view of failure and hope? Journal your answers.
    Respond — Internalize this lesson through prayer, memorizing Joel 2:25, joining a recovery or accountability group, and seeking pastoral or professional help if needed.
    Reveal — Share your story or Mike’s testimony with one person, invite someone to church or a recovery ministry, or serve someone in need to demonstrate God’s restoration.

    Questions or prayer requests? Contact Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: addiction recovery, homelessness, Joel 2:25, faith and restoration, spiritual recovery, testimony of faith, overcoming addiction, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Mike Heili, Christian hope, recovery testimony

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

    7 min
  • Why High Achievers Are Sometimes Running From Pain - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Mike Heili. In this episode we unpack Mike’s story of running—from pain, low self‑worth, and a broken past—and how Joel 2:25 (“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten”) became his life verse and the promise that changed everything. We trace the chapters of his past to see how faith, discipline, fear, and honest naming of what we’re running from lead to true restoration.

    4 R action steps
    - Read: Read Joel 2 (start with Joel 2:25) and ask God to show which “years the locust hath eaten” in your life.
    - Reflect: What are you really running from? Consider how fear, performance, or survival shaped your goals—were you running toward Christ or away from pain?
    - Respond: Name it out loud or in a journal (try finishing: “The thing I’m really running from is…”). Pray, seek a mentor or trusted friend, and take one practical step this week toward healing (confession, counseling, a faith commitment, or small habit change).
    - Reveal: Share your honest story with one person, invite someone to read Joel 2 with you, or demonstrate restoration by serving or mentoring someone who’s still running.

    Contact and resources
    - Questions or feedback for Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: Joel 2:25, spiritual restoration, running from pain, testimony, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Mike Heili, spiritual growth, healing, discipleship, faith, Bible study, Christian encouragement

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    9 min
  • What Trauma Taught Him About God... Until It Didn't - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Mike Heili. In this episode Arnie interviews Mike about his journey from a traumatic childhood to a life restored by faith. Mike is a husband, father of four, an optician, Ironman triathlete and certified Ironman coach; his story shows how God meets us even when we’ve decided no one cares.

    Take the 4 R actions:
    - Read: Read Joel 2:25. Let the promise of restoration be the lens for the week.
    - Reflect: Spend 5 minutes journaling on where you feel years or hope were lost. Ask, “What would restoration look like here?” and note one honest response.
    - Respond: Find 30 quiet seconds and say, “Help me.” Then choose one concrete next step this week (start daily Scripture reading, call a mentor, or seek counseling).
    - Reveal: Share a brief testimony or the promise of Joel 2:25 with one person this week; offer to pray with them or invite them into a conversation about restoration.

    Connect: Email Arnie at [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Mike Heili, Joel 2:25, restoration, trauma recovery, Christian testimony, prayer, “Help me” prayer, faith journey, Christian podcast, Ironman

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    10 min
  • The Legacy That Actually Matters - SFT

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Wayne Pederson. In this episode they explore finishing well, the legacy we leave, and why what people remember at the end of life is a life of faith and love for God—not possessions. Wayne shares practical examples from his life and urges that it’s never too late to invest in people and to make faith the central legacy. Memory verse: 2 Timothy 4:7 — “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”


    Four R action steps
    Read — Read 2 Timothy 4:7 and the surrounding passage. Let the apostle Paul’s finish-line perspective shape your priorities.
    Reflect — Ask: What do I want said at my funeral? What legacy am I building now? Who needs my influence or reconciliation? Where is God calling me to invest my remaining years?
    Respond — Practical next steps: write a brief life story or letter for family, call or send an encouraging note to a younger person, schedule a meaningful conversation, recommit your life to Christ if you haven’t, join a small group or begin mentoring.
    Reveal — Share your story and faith with one person this week, give a tangible keepsake (letter, memoir, recorded testimony), or model Christlike love in a public way so others see and are drawn to Jesus.

    For resources or to connect with Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: finish well, legacy, faith legacy, 2 Timothy 4:7, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Wayne Pederson, finish strong, grandparenting, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, legacy planning, finish line, faith in Christ

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

    13 min
  • The Hidden Danger of Doing Faith Alone - SFT

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Wayne Pederson. Wayne digs into a common pattern in leaders who fall: isolation, secrecy, and lack of real accountability. He highlights two big protectors of a strong finish, shares real-life examples, and offers practical steps for building an inner circle, practicing spiritual disciplines, and staying centered on Jesus.


    Memory verse: 2 Timothy 4:7 ("I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.").

    4 R action steps:
    Read — Read 2 Timothy 4:7 and Psalm 51:10; immerse yourself in Scripture daily.
    Reflect — Journal answers to: Who is in my inner circle? Where might I be hiding? What guardrails am I missing? Share your reflections with a trusted friend.
    Respond — Commit to daily Bible reading, prayer, confession, and one concrete step this week (invite 3–5 trusted people into monthly check-ins or start a one-on-one accountability conversation).
    Reveal — Demonstrate the truth by honestly sharing one struggle or growth step with a trusted friend, inviting them into mutual accountability, or leading by example in your small group or church.


    Keywords: spiritually fit, finish well, accountability, spiritual renewal, discipleship, Christian podcast, Wayne Pederson, Arnie Cole, 2 Timothy 4:7, spiritual disciplines, mentorship, Christian leadership

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

    12 min
  • Retired or Rewired? Every Christian Needs This - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Wayne Pederson. Arnie and Wayne explore what it means to finish well—moving from “what I have to do” to “what I’m called to do” and embracing a “Retired = Rewired” mindset. Wayne shares his rare cancer journey, recovery, and how that renewed sense of purpose drives him to keep growing, mentoring, and serving in his 70s.

    4R Action Steps
    - Read: Read 2 Timothy 4:7 and meditate on the phrase “finished the race.”
    - Reflect: Ask: What does finishing well look like for me? Am I focused on past regrets or present opportunities? Where might God be calling me to rewire my purpose?
    - Respond: Commit to one concrete step this week—daily Bible reading, joining a ministry, mentoring a younger believer, or serving in a local project. Email Arnie with questions or to get involved: [email protected]
    - Reveal: Share your testimony or invite someone to study 2 Timothy with you; demonstrate faith by serving or mentoring so others see God’s work in your life.

    If this message encouraged you, like, comment, and share with someone who needs a fresh, faithful perspective on finishing well.

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Wayne Pederson, finish well, finishing strong, retired rewired, Finish Strong Finish Well, 2 Timothy 4:7, spiritual growth, Christian retirement, longevity, faith, mentoring, Bible reading, cancer testimony, MD Anderson

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    13 min
  • The Silent Drift That Ruins Faith - SFT

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Wayne Pederson. In this episode they confront the hard truth about finishing well: failure usually comes quietly over time. Wayne and Arnie unpack three heart-issues, share practical habits that guard the heart, and point us back to the source of strength in Christ.


    4 R Action Steps
    Read — Read 2 Timothy 4:7 and Proverbs 4:23. Make daily time in Scripture the priority to reset your desires and decisions.
    Reflect — Ask: Which of the three (lust, materialism, pride) most tempts me? What small compromises have formed my habits? Who notices and loves me enough to speak into my life?
    Respond — Practical next steps: set clear boundaries (avoid compromising situations), limit social media and other distractions, build spiritual disciplines (daily Bible + prayer), join or form an accountability/mentoring group, confess and repent when needed.
    Reveal — Demonstrate this truth by sharing your struggle with a trusted friend or mentee, leading a short discussion using 2 Timothy 4:7 and Proverbs 4:23, and modeling humility and service in your daily life.

    Want to connect or ask about mentoring and accountability resources? Email Arnie Cole at [email protected]

    Keywords: finishing well, guard your heart, lust, materialism, pride, 2 Timothy 4:7, Proverbs 4:23, spiritual disciplines, accountability, mentoring, humility, social media temptation, Christian podcast, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Wayne Pederson

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

    12 min

About Spiritually Fit Today

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today, where every day is a workout for your soul—one step, one choice, one spiritual rep at a time. Join Arnie Cole and guests as we talk about how to improve how we behave as a Christ followers. Because how we act tomorrow depends on getting spiritually fit today.